HIDDEN SECRETS
" Tea!"
" TEA!"
" TEAAAA!!"
Groaning, with a pounding headache, Tea's eyes--heavy like lead--fluttered open to a bunch of blurry faces hovering over her. She could faintly make out colors, shapes, and voices, but it was all faded and distant, like she had cottonballs stuffed in her ears and water in her eyes.
" She's awake!" A male voice shouted.
That voice...I know it. Tea tried to speak, but her throat felt thick and heavy and dry. With shiffy eyes, she tried to make out the faces. Brown eyes. And they were practically in her face.
" J-Joey," She croaked.
" She ain't got dat amsina!" He cheered, and Tea could picture him grinning.
" That's amnesia, idiot! And she's just in shock." Tristan muttered, like it was the most obvious, sensible answer on the planet. Tea managed a hoarse laugh, before suddenly everything came back to her.
Car. Flashing headlights. Celtic.
" CELTIC!" She shouted suddenly, bolting up from the hospital bed.
" Whadya say Teya?" Joey asked, and his features suddenly became clear. Worried brown eyes, messy blonde hair, weak smile. She knew he was holding in there for her.
" N-Nothing. I just...had a nightmare." With downcast eyes, she stared blankly at her pale hands, fisted in her lap. Celtic...what happened to you? Where are you? Why aren't you here? Was it all just...some weird dream? Suddenly Tea couldn't tell the difference between reality and illusion. What if she was still sleeping right now? How could she tell?
She shifted in the bed, before she scanned the hospital room. " Are you two the only ones?" She asked rasply.
Tristan nodded, standing from his seat at her right side by the window. " Yeah. Yugi's sitll in America. In fact he doesn't even know you almost got ran over by a car Tea."
Joey nodded, expression oddly serious. " We we're thinkin 'bout callin him and lettin' him know."
" NO!" She shouted suddenly, as if Joey was dialing Yugi's number in America just that second, her expression fearful and nervous. " I-I mean...I'm fine. See?" She spread her arms with a forced smile. " Besides I don't want...I don't want Yugi worrying..." Her arms fell back down by her sides, and her head did the same, chin resting on her chest.
" He's ya friend Teya! He's got a right ta know!" Joey insisted.
" You can't keep it from him, Tea. He's gonna find out sooner or later." Tristan stated matter-of-factly, his hands tucked in his brown trenchcoat that went to his thighs. He looked strangely older--more mature to say the least--and she found it odd how serious and straight-faced the two of them were being. Was it all because of her? Were they really that worried?
She smiled sadly. " I know you guys are just worried...but I just.." She sighed and looked to her right, staring out the window. " Please don't tell Yugi." When they both looked hesitant, neither saying anything, she repeated herself more desperately, more urgently, with a shaky quiver to her voice, almost like she was going to breakdown then and there. " Please?"
" Fine." Joey muttered.
" Yeah...whatever." Tristan added afterwards, looking towards the open door of the hospital room. She didn't know whether he had a fear of hospitals--he'd been somewhat fidgety the whole time--constantly glancing at the door, the floor, out the window. And then there was his posture, all stiff and tense.
" Are you okay Tristan?" She asked out of honest concern. He was starting to make her squirmish.
He blinked and stared at her for a silent moment, before he snapped out of whatever daydream he'd gotten stuck in, and answered lamely. " I just...never liked hospitals."
" Yeah, me neitha'." Joey mumbled, arms crossed, but his expression was more angered, like he resented the place. But everyone in 'the gang' knew why Joey hated hospitals. His step father was an alcoholic--or as Joey liked to refer to him as a drunk--and tended to be abusive whenever he was in his drunken stupors. It was the reason Joey always wore long sleeved shirts in the summer, and why he kept his bangs long, to cover most his eyes.
" You guys don't have to be here." She insisted. " Beisdes, I'm fine. I don't even know why I'm here." I'm perfectly fine. She stubbornly thought.
" Doctors orders." A confident voice stated.
Tea blinked and looked toward the door, mildly surprised to see Duke standing there with a smirk on his face. " How're you feeling? Heard you got pretty beat up?"
Tea looked down at herself--mostly her arms, the only part the hospital gown didn't cover--to find only a few minor scratches and cuts. They stung a bit, but that was it.
" I'm not sure myself..." She mumbled, mostly to herself. " The only thing I remember is walking across the street and..." Don't mention Celtic. Don't mention Celtic. Her consious warned. " ...then the lights of the car.." She bowed her head, as if remembering something. " And then everything went black."
" We're not really sure what happened." Duke said, taking the responsibility of being the one to tell her. " I got there after Joey and Tristan did. A bunch of people were there so when I went to check it out you were passed out on the floor, and Joey and Tristan were trying to carry you to a hospital."
Tea smiled at Joey and Tristan, and they just blushed and waved it off.
" Yeah, and dun think ya weighed a little!" Joey blurted--ruining the moment mind you-- then regretted it when he caught sight of her right eye twitching, and the vein pulsing on her forehead and right hand, balled and ready to punch. He started to sweat in nervousness and fear. " Heh, just messin Teya."
With a glare, she hmphed and looked away from him, only to relax when the beautiful weather outside caught her attention. " It's raining." She realized aloud. How long though?
" Yeah, it's been like that the whole day." Tristan complained, and she wondered why he hated the rain so much. Probably because it would ruin his hair--taking into account that he puts about a gallon of gel into it to keep it pointy and angled like that.
" How long have I been out?" She finally asked.
" Few hours." Duke answered simply. " Six at the most."
Tea wearily nodded her head. I'm so worried about you Celtic. What happened to you? She distinctly recalled hearing him scream out her name in her mind when the car was racing at her, but was that really possible? Celtic was...like Kaiba when it came to emotions, feelings and sensitivity. He just didn't understand it, and who could blame him? He'd been a card most his life. But still, he was like Kaiba, just not so much a jerk like Kaiba. He was quiet, and he kept to himself, and then there were those times when he'd purposely ignore her. But she couldn't deny that she enjoyed his company. Now that he's not here...I really miss him. She lowered her head, I hope you're alright Celtic...
" When can I leave?" Tea asked suddenly, looking up.
Duke shrugged, while Tristan and Joey exchanged uncertain looks. " Whenever you want." Duke muttered, opening his eyes.
Tea threw the covers off her and climbed out of the bed, only to screech and blush in horror when she felt the cold breeze of the room's AC brush past her bare buttocks.
" DON'T LOOK YOU PERVERTS!"
She hated hospital gowns. HATED them!
Celtic stood at the entrance to Tea's house. When he'd shoved Tea out of the cars way, everyone started coming out of the grocery store, some from the parking lot and nearby houses. And even though his clothes were normal, he didn't want to risk it so he took off before anyone could see him. He was grateful to see some of Tea's friends running in her direction, and that's when he felt fully reassured that she would be alright. While he did not fully agree with the idea of leaving her side--he'd become used to accompanying her at all times--he had no choice. Besides, he knew Tea wouldn't like his identity to be found out.
With no key to her house, he had no choice but to stand outside and wait. He didn't know how long it would take her to get back, but he hoped it was soon. Oddly enough, without her nearby, he felt his presence--his existence--slowly slipping. He felt as though a part of himself was missing, and it was.
Come soon, Tea...
" Just sign these release forms and you can be on your way." The nurse at the desk politely giggled, but she was hardly paying attention to Tea, but to the three handsome boys standing behind her.
Tea sighed and shook her head. This lady was hopeless. What was the big deal about Tristan, Joey, and Duke anyway? Sure they were "above average" when it came to looks--heck, what was she talking about, all her guys friends were above average when it came to their appearances--but she wasn't one to brag...
When she signed all the blank lines, she handed the sheet back to the woman. " You take care of yourself hun." She advised, head bobbing matter-of-factly.
Tea--snickering evily on the inside--happily said back. " That's what they're for!" And grabbed all three of her guy friends in a death-tight bear hug.
" T-Tea...c-c-can't breathe!"
She let them go and all four of them headed out of the hospital. " It feels good to be back in my regular clothes." She snorted.
" Don't know, I liked the other better." Duke joked.
" DUKE!" She stated, mostly from shock. It was normally Joey who made all the dirty side jokes at the wrong times.
Shaking her head--he was obviously hanging around Joey too much--she waved to them once they were in front of the entrance of the hospital.
" I'll see you guys later."
" WHAT!?" Tristan and Joey shouted.
" You guys..." She moaned. " I'm not a little kid."
" Tea, you just got out of the hospital." Tristan tried to reason, before Joey interrupted him.
" Not only dat, but ya nearly got run ova' by a car! And now ya want us to let ya walk home alone!? I dun think so Teya!"
Duke sighed. " Guys, just let her go. She's right, she isn't a kid."
Tea blinked in surprise. Duke was actually on her side for once? She smiled appreciatively. " Thanks Duke. And..." She turned to Tristan and Joey. " As much as it means to me to know you guys are worried...I'd just like to be alone for a bit...if I need anything, I promise to call, okay?" She offered.
" Promise?" Joey demanded.
She nodded with a smile. " Promise."
" Good, you'd better." Tristan warned.
" And if you can't get ahold of them, you can always give me a ring." Duke added.
Again Tea was shocked. Sure Duke was one of their friends now after that whole Battle City deal, but he wasn't exactly a 'permanent' member of the gang. He hung out with them at school and lunch now, even on the weekends during their traditional get togethers, but still he didn't seem to share the bond that Tea and all the other guys shared with eachother.
Now he wants me to call him if I need anything? Was everyone really that worried about me? She smiled and nodded nonetheless. " It's a deal."
When she was just around the corner of the street her house was on, she stopped and wondered aloud. " If everything really did happen, then where is he?" She was scared and angry. Angry at herself for getting in such a situation, and scared because if Celtic really was gone---No, don't think about that!
She shook her head frantically and continued around the corner, before she stopped when her house came into view. But it wasn't her house that caught her off guard. It was the person that was standing in front of it that got her attention.
" C-Celtic?" And despite the large distance between them, he somehow heard and turned in her direction, before he was walking slowly toward her, as if wondering--much like she was--if she was really there.
" You had me worried you idiot!" She cried, and banged him lighly on the chest once he was close enough. He really did have her worried, and she didn't like the feeling.
Mutely he wrapped his arms around her and the two of them remained standing there with Tea silently crying into his chest, soaking his shirt with her tears. " I...I thought it was all a dream." She admitted shakily, releasing him and moving out of his arms to brush away her tears with an embarrassed smile. " But I'm glad it wasn't."
Blushing, suddenly shy, she lowered her head and stared at her shoes. " I know it was you that saved me from getting hit by that car..." She finally looked up, sincere gratitude on her face. " So thankyou..."
He nodded his head mutely, and she sighed in mild frustration, but she was used to his silence and lack of verbal responses, it was just the way he was. Well, that and the whole 'him being a card' thing. Besides...his quiet nature seemed to fit him well enough.
Grabbing his hand without realizing it, she pulled him toward the direction of her house, and, for now, their house.
" Come on, let's get inside...it looks like it might rain." She said, hurrying up her steps, and despite his slow pace, his longer legs gave him an advantage and he managed to keep up and even pass her on occassion. As if on cue, the minute they walked under the canopy over her porch, it started to heavily rain. Releasing his hand to fumble around in her purse for her keys, she laughed nervously. " Thank goodness we avoided that. The last thing I want is a cold." She unlocked the door and they both stepped inside.
She was really glad to be back home. She inhaled happily, before she turned around to see Celtic still standing by the door, expression indifferent, but his eyes were open doors, and she could see his concern for her.
Smiling, she grabbed his hand and pulled him all the way inside while managing to kick the door shut with her foot. " You can't be getting shy on me now! Now take a seat." When he reluctantly took a seat on the sofa, she went into the kitchen to get some milk and cookies. After all that horrible hospital food...ugh! She needed some real food now! And she had a sudden craving for sweets.
Stuffing a cookie in her mouth, she went to the fridge, grabbed the carton of milk, poured herself a glass, then went over to sit on the couch next to Celtic, giving them enough space to talk without it being awkward.
" Celtic...I know this may sound like a weird question but..." She put the cookie and glass of milk on the table. " Do you know...how much longer you have...before you have to go back?" She couldn't believe she'd finally gotten the nerve to ask him that! But she was really glad she did, it felt great having all that weight off her shoulders.
He looked away, and his reaction made her suddenly regretfull. What if it's soon? Or worse...today? " I just wanted to know." She blurted, saving him from having to answer. She already knew he didn't know the answer himself, and the subject seemed rather depressing anyway. She blushed and hid slightly behind her glass of milk as she fumbled with it in her hands. " That way I can spend as much time as possible with you." She laughed off her embarrassment. " Because, we really don't know how much longer you'll be here for."
Just as she was about to look up, the phone rang noisily, startling her, and she almost spilled the milk. Sighing in annoyance, she stood and went over to the phone by the front door, answering it. " Hello?"
" Hi, Tea...?"
" Yugi!?" Oh God, of all times, why oh why did he have to call now? She cleared her throat, hoping she hadn't given away her dissapointment. " H-Hey Yugi! How've you been?"
There was a crackle in the background, some voices--which sounded distinctly like Rebecca and her grandfather--before he spoke up." Not much. Just here with Rebecca and her grandfather. How's everyone?"
She bit her lip and lied. " Great. Everyones great. We all miss you..." And she really did, but right now all she could think about was Celtic. " How's the search going? Finding anything?"
He sighed on the other end, and she could almost see him shaking his head sadly. " No...not yet. But I have to have hope you know?" She could hear the forced smile in his voice, and smiled back. " And you? How've you been Tea?"
" Not bad...just school and stuff." Stuff...like taking care of Celtic Guardian! " Hey Yugi? When're you coming back?"
He hummed on the other line thoughtfully, and she could tell he hadn't thought much on that question himself. " I'm not sure, but I hope its soon. I really miss you and everyone else." He sighed, then laughed. " But Rebecca's been great company, and her grandfather's real nice too."
Tea frowned. I'll say. That girl's so annoying and loud--ugh there I go again! Getting jealous over nothing! " That's good. And, well, just take your time Yugi. It's better to be safe than sorry, you know?" Take as long as you want. Because I have this horrible feeling that the minute you come back...Celtic will have to go. She knew she was being selfish, but Celtic was just so...She blushed and shook her head, trying to concentrate on what Yugi was saying on the other end. " Mm-hmm, I'l tell them. Yeah, alright...well...take care of yourself Yugi, and keep in touch."
There was a small pause. " I will. Bye Yugi." And she hung up with a heavy heart. Why? Because she'd literally shortened her call with her best friend and first crush over an elf sitting in her living room.
" Sorry about that Celtic. That was Yugi calling." She informed, sitting back down on the sofa.
His eyes were bright with interest, and she could see the question lingering in them. " He just called to say hi and see how everyone was doing. I asked him when he was going to come back, but he doesn't know." She eyed him hesitantly. " I still couldn't get the nerve to tell him about you...and I'm sorry."
She was a horrible friend, lying to Yugi and keeping this from him, and all the others. But it was only right, wasn't it? It was for the best. Right? She sighed, she didn't even know anymore!
His hand on her shoulder startled her, but it managed to snap her out of her thoughts. " Do you think I'm horrible Celtic? For not telling him? He is...your master after all. He has a right to know..."
She really wished he'd talk right now, but all he did was remove his hand and look into nothing. She let out a loud breath, then froze in shock. Oh my god! I completely forgot all about Joey! He was supposed to be staying with her still.
" Be right back!" She said, rushing over to the phone. She hurridely dialed Joey's cell, glad to hear him actually pick it up. He never was good with technology.
" Joey!" She burst. " I'm so sorry! I forgot all about you staying over!"
The blonde laughed loudly on the other side. " 'Ey, dun worry about it Teya. Duke said he'd let me stay at his house, so it ain't a big deal. Besides...you wanted ta be alone, right?"
She blushed, holding the phone tight. " Y-Yeah but still...are you sure Duke doesn't mind? And...are you forgetting this is Duke Joey?" He used to hate his guts, what with Duke's favorite petname for him being dog. It wasn't the best first impression, nor was the time Duke forced Joey to put on that dog costume...
He snorted. " Yeah yeah, I remember. And it ain't a problem, honest. Besides, Tristan's hanging over right now with the rest of us."
She sighed in relief. " Well good...and I reall am sorry Joey...for forgetting. I haven't been a very good friend lately...have I?" The regret and guilt was really starting to get to her.
" Dun talk like dat Teya! Ya know you're a great friend. Ain't she guys?" She could hear some shouting in the background, and she could only laugh and guess it was Tristan and Duke agreeing with him. They probably didn't even know what he was asking!
" Well...alright. As long as you're okay with staying at Duke's..."
" Look, if it comes to da point where I wanna strangle him, I'll give ya a call." He promised, and she found herself laughing and agreeing.
" Alright Joey. Tell the guys hi for me. And I'll see you later." She said, then hung up. The minute the phone touched the reciever, she was more than shocked to feel Celtic's arms coming up from behind her in a tight, protective hold. When it took her a moment to realize why he was suddenly so needy, she smiled. " I'm fine, Celtic. Honest."
You could have died I would have not been able to forgive myself had that happened.
She turned in his arms with wide eyes. " Don't say that! In fact, if it weren't for you I would be dead!" She let her head fall on his chest. " I was so glad you were there. I thought I had...lost you." She'd almost forgotten about those sneaky old women trying to steal him away! Ha! Fat chance! He was all hers!
Never.
She smiled and blushed, then closed her eyes and inhaled the sweet sandalwood scent that engraved his clothes and skin. " I was supposed to be watching over you, and what did I end up doing? Letting those women take you..." She sighed. " It feels like I'm letting everyone down lately..."
He rested his head on hers, his features stiff and solemn. You've done more than enough. She knew he was only trying to help, and make her feel better, but it only made her feel worse.
" No...No I haven't." She croaked. " All I've done is mess up! F-First I lied to my friends, and then I almost lost you!" She burst, only to step back with her hands over her mouth. Stupid! Now he'll know how you feel. She looked down, unable to stop herself. " W-When I saw the car coming towards me...do you know what I thought?"
He remained silent, his eyes intense in their focus on her face, and she knew he was listening in interest. " I thought ' I'll never get to really tell him how I feel'...'" She ended off sadly, smiling for his sake. " B-But now that I'm here, and you're here, I can't even say it. I'm such a loser." She sighed.
You aren't.
" Then how come I can't say it? I can't tell anyone the truth..." She laughed bitterly. All she wanted to do right now was go to her room, hide under her blankets, and be left alone. She didn't deserve Celtic. Why was he even with her? Why was she chosen to find him and take him in? Was it accidental? What if he was really supposed to be found by Yugi, or one of the guys? What if---
She blinked rapidly and in shock when he bent down and covered her lips in a sweet, breathtaking kiss. Her thoughts all vanished, and she let herself relax against him and enjoy the familiar contact that she'd so desperately missed, but so strongly denied.
I-I really do love him. She'd also realized that she felt nothing for Yugi anymore. She didn't blush or get nervous and fiddle with the cord like she used to just by hearing his voice on the phone anymore, or pace her room wondering what him and Rebecca were doing. In fact, if she'd been jealous for anyone, it was Celtic and those women at the supermarket. Despite how horrible a day it'd turned out to be, it made her realize just how much she cherished the blonde elf. For now he was hers and she was his, and she'd savor his time with her second by second.
It didn't matter anymore when he'd have to leave. For now, all that mattered was that he was here, showing her through their kiss how much he loved her back. Breaking the kiss, she absently licked them.
" Celtic I..."
Let us retire for the night.
" B-But..." He silenced her with a look, and she feebly followed him upstairs. While his room was across from hers, she was almost tempted to ask him to keep her company in her bed. But it wouldn't look right, and she didn't want him to get the wrong impression and think badly of her.
So when he guided her to his room--the guest room--she was somewhat shocked, but also secretly pleased. " Celtic...?" It was all she could really say right now.
Let us sleep. Nothing more.
Blushing, but smiling nonetheless in relief, she went to climb into bed with him, only to stop when the doorbell to her house rang loudly. W-What!? Who could be at my house at this time of day? And in this weather!?
" Well, I'd better get that." She moped, leaving him in the room to go answer the door. When she did though, she was overwhelmed to see Rishid standing there.
" R-Rishid? What're you doing here?" She'd only met him once, at that had been a good while back at the battle city tournaments, but that was it. They weren't really friends, much less aquaintences.
" Beware my child, for what you see is not what it appears."
She blinked owlishly at him. Was he really giving her her fourtune? Right now? At ten at night? " W-What are you trying to say?" She had a bad feeling in her stomach telling her his warning had something to do with Celtic. " You know don't you." She said, not accusingly, but knowingly.
He nodded solemly. " I do, and I come to warn you. Take heed young one. For the path that has been chosen for you will bring peril."
She gaped in horror. " B-But...how can I stop it from happening? I..." She blushed shamefully. " I don't want to lose him. He means so much to me right now..." To think only days ago she'd been angry about the fact that she had to take care of Celtic.
Rishid eyed her intently, their bright color standing out against the bronze tone of his skin. " Remember to always have faith. And never lose strength. Fight strongly for the one you care deeply for, and protect them with your life."
With my...life? " I'd do anything for him." She insisted, as though convincing Rishid would be convincing whatever evil force would soon try to seperate her and the elf. I'd risk my life for him even! Like he did for me.
He smiled faintly, as though he had expected her to say that. " Then you will know when the time comes to decide. Your life, or theirs." He did not inadvertedly say Celtic's name, but she knew he was speaking about him. Deep down she knew.
" Thank you Rishid." She said hurridely, watching the man turn to leave.
His features softened. " Do not forget child that their fate depends on you and your faith." He murmured in a wise voice. And with that he turned and left.
Tea
Turning, she spotted Celtic coming down the stairs. " Hey Celtic. Uhm, I was just talking to..." When she turned around, Rishid was no longer to be seen, vanished without a trace. W-Where'd he go? He was just here a minute ago! He couldn't have walked that fast.
" Nobody really..." She mumbled. " No-one at all..." Now, all she had to do was wait and see about this premonition. She was almost certain that the time would come, whether she wanted it to or not, and she would be forced to decide.
My life. Or his.
A/N: I know what you're all thinking DEPRESSING CHAPTER. At least it felt that way for me, then again maybe it was also because all the other chapters seemed so...eh comedic? ANYWAY! So Sorry for making you all wait, but I GREATLY appreciate those who are still staying with me and this fic. I'm glad for those who like it. It means a lot to me to know one of my stories is actually good!
Well, tell me what you guys think! Oh and what do you think about Rishid's premonition? Do you think it'll come true? And what exactly did his words all mean? Is something bad going to happen soon?
Well tune in next chapter to find out!
And remember...REVIEW AND CELTIC WILL USE TEA AS WHIPCREAM FOR HIS ICECREAM ;D
Tea: W-What --faints with blush--
Celtic: What is this icecream you speak of? Though I must say the idea sounds promising.